To Love a Shadow, To Be the Sun novel Chapter 58

Grandpa was looking much better—he'd be discharged in a few days.

The demolition of Linden Manor had hit him hard; his mood had soured ever since.

Elara had spent some time comforting him, and was just about to leave when her phone rang. Brian's name flashed on the screen.

"Where are you?" His voice was brisk.

"At the hospital, visiting Grandpa," she answered honestly.

"I've arranged for the old doctor to see you. Just stay at the hospital and wait—I'll have Yves Caldwell bring him to you."

Elara replied coolly, "Thanks."

There was a two-second pause on the other end, then Brian added, "Dr. Sunderland only takes five patients a day. His appointments are hard to come by—don't go wandering off."

Brian worried she'd get stubborn and refuse to be seen, but Elara knew better than to neglect her own health.

She didn't respond, simply hung up.

Rose, sitting nearby, couldn't help sticking up for Brian. "Honestly, with your attitude, it's a miracle Brian puts up with you. Anyone else would've left ages ago. You should count your blessings."

Elara, mindful of Grandpa's feelings, let it go without retort.

Instead, she changed the subject. "Did you find a place yet? Something in a mid-range neighborhood, suitable for seniors?"

Rose's face blanched. "Yes, I did. It's nice—good in every way."

Grandpa glanced at Elara, his voice faint. "Sweetheart, I keep telling you, don't go to all this trouble for me. Don't buy a house—I won't be around much longer anyway. Just rent something. That's enough."

Lina recovered first and rushed ahead to intercept the old man. "Mr. Sunderland, this is the patient you're scheduled to see. It'll only take a moment."

Lina, slim and slight, didn't need much effort to look fragile; just a couple of short breaths made her seem almost delicate.

But Mr. Sunderland remained unmoved. "Miss Vincent, I've already seen five patients today. No extra appointments. You'll have to reschedule."

Yves Caldwell darted forward. "Mr. Sunderland, your next available slot is over two months out. Both of them are important to Mr. Vincent, and she's already here—can't you make an exception?"

Hearing Brian's name didn't sway the doctor. In fact, Mr. Sunderland's expression darkened. "Tell Mr. Vincent I've already settled my debt to him. As for the lady I just examined, I don't believe she has any endocrine problems. Since my diagnosis differs from the hospital's, I won't be writing a prescription."

Yves looked as if the sky had fallen.

Elara understood immediately—Lina had given her appointment slot to Nanette.